Experience any game or run any application, with the sharper visuals and superior performance you demand. ROG Strix ZX553’s low-profile, easy-touch backlit keys deliver perfect-response 1.8mm travel distance, and the marked WASD key group and dedicated numeric pad enable fast, full control. A solid, one-piece construction keyboard is illuminated by a ROG-red backlight for visibility at all times.

ASUS ROG ZX553VD PERFORMANCE

GeForce GTX 10-Series GPU give you up to 3X the performance of previous-generation GPUs. They’re built with ultra-fast FinFET, the latest high-bandwidth memory technologies, and support for DirectX 12 features to deliver the fastest, smoothest gaming notebook experiences.

ASUS ROG brand is thick with notebook models that can be configured almost any way imaginable. The Strix line is typically their highest echelon, rife with notebooks brandishing the latest specifications and boasting excellent build quality. We've looked at Asus' 17.3-inch offerings in the past - the GL752, GL702, and GL753each offer different tiers for gamers at different budgets. For those that prefer a more portable machine, the Strix line also includes some 15.6-inch models as well. Today, we look at the GL553VD.

The GL553VD is definitely aimed at budget-minded gamers. Armed with an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050, the GL553VD won't offer the same gaming performance as it's bigger brothers, the GL502VM and GL502VS.

So what do you get in the lowest specced ROG notebook? The GL553VD sports an Intel Core i7-7700HQ, an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050, excellent construction, a DVD drive, an RGB backlit keyboard, and ample I/O. Its price and specs place it squarely in competition with other budget gaming notebooks, namely the MSI GL62M (GTX 1050), the Acer Aspire VX5-591G (GTX 1050Ti), and the Dell Inspiron 15 7000 7567 (GTX 1050Ti).

KEYBOARD ASUS ROG ZX553VD

The keyboard is excellent. The chiclet keys are well sized and well spaced. The numeric keys on the right-hand side are a bit narrow but still usable. Arrow keys are also properly sized and slightly offset, making them easy to find. The space bar is also firm throughout. The deck can be warped under direct pressure but remains solid when typing.

With a generous 2.5 mm of travel and crisp feedback, the keyboard offers a superior typing experience. The key travel is very deep compared to other gaming notebooks, which typically have a key travel distance of about 2 mm.

A nice element is the inclusion of RGB lighting in the keyboard deck. There are four zones that can be independently set to any of over 16 million colors. Users can also set the colors to be static or pulse at a set rate. There are three stages of backlighting; the brightest can be seen even outdoors, while the dimmest is easy on the eyes and useful in dark settings. The key drop is undefined and a tad spongy, but keys are firm and feel good. The keys are essentially silent, exuding a low thump only under hard typing. Touch typists will thoroughly enjoy typing on this keyboard.

TOUCHPAD ASUS ROG ZX553VD

The touchpad is adequate. Tracking is smooth and accurate, and right and left clicks are registered perfectly. Both buttons are integrated into the touchpad and are divided by only a printed line, which can make it somewhat difficult to discern between a right and left click. The touchpad itself sounds hollow when clicked and lacks definition. Clicks also feel sticky and mushy, and feedback is mediocre. The smooth plastic finish feels a bit cheap and readily attracts fingerprints and oils.

PROCESSOR ASUS ROG ZX553VD

The Intel i7-7700HQ is a very capable quad-core CPU with hyperthreading. Commonly found in high-end workstation and gaming laptops, the 7700HQ offers top-tier performance for Intel's Kaby Lake platform. The CPU features a base clock of 2.8 GHz with a boost up to 3.8. Our test model takes full advantage of this boost under heavier single-threaded workloads, even when running on battery power. Our test model did very well in our Cinebench test suite, showing that it can handle even the most strenuous workloads with aplomb.

All of the modern rivals have the same CPU, while the Omen 15 is equipped with a last-generation Skylake Intel Core i7-6700HQ. There aren't many differences between Skylake and Kaby Lake save for some better power efficiency, marginally higher clock speeds, and native video encoding tools in the newer platform. Otherwise, the chips are very similar in terms of performance.

As such, we see very similar results across the board in our Cinebench testing. While there are some slight performance differences, they are all within margin of error. There is no clear winner between the competition.

Experience any game or run any application, with the sharper visuals and superior performance you demand. ROG Strix ZX553’s low-profile, easy-touch backlit keys deliver perfect-response 1.8mm travel distance, and the marked WASD key group and dedicated numeric pad enable fast, full control. A solid, one-piece construction keyboard is illuminated by a ROG-red backlight for visibility at all times.

ASUS ROG ZX553VD PERFORMANCE

GeForce GTX 10-Series GPU give you up to 3X the performance of previous-generation GPUs. They’re built with ultra-fast FinFET, the latest high-bandwidth memory technologies, and support for DirectX 12 features to deliver the fastest, smoothest gaming notebook experiences.

ASUS ROG brand is thick with notebook models that can be configured almost any way imaginable. The Strix line is typically their highest echelon, rife with notebooks brandishing the latest specifications and boasting excellent build quality. We've looked at Asus' 17.3-inch offerings in the past - the GL752, GL702, and GL753each offer different tiers for gamers at different budgets. For those that prefer a more portable machine, the Strix line also includes some 15.6-inch models as well. Today, we look at the GL553VD.

The GL553VD is definitely aimed at budget-minded gamers. Armed with an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050, the GL553VD won't offer the same gaming performance as it's bigger brothers, the GL502VM and GL502VS.

So what do you get in the lowest specced ROG notebook? The GL553VD sports an Intel Core i7-7700HQ, an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050, excellent construction, a DVD drive, an RGB backlit keyboard, and ample I/O. Its price and specs place it squarely in competition with other budget gaming notebooks, namely the MSI GL62M (GTX 1050), the Acer Aspire VX5-591G (GTX 1050Ti), and the Dell Inspiron 15 7000 7567 (GTX 1050Ti).

KEYBOARD ASUS ROG ZX553VD

The keyboard is excellent. The chiclet keys are well sized and well spaced. The numeric keys on the right-hand side are a bit narrow but still usable. Arrow keys are also properly sized and slightly offset, making them easy to find. The space bar is also firm throughout. The deck can be warped under direct pressure but remains solid when typing.

With a generous 2.5 mm of travel and crisp feedback, the keyboard offers a superior typing experience. The key travel is very deep compared to other gaming notebooks, which typically have a key travel distance of about 2 mm.

A nice element is the inclusion of RGB lighting in the keyboard deck. There are four zones that can be independently set to any of over 16 million colors. Users can also set the colors to be static or pulse at a set rate. There are three stages of backlighting; the brightest can be seen even outdoors, while the dimmest is easy on the eyes and useful in dark settings. The key drop is undefined and a tad spongy, but keys are firm and feel good. The keys are essentially silent, exuding a low thump only under hard typing. Touch typists will thoroughly enjoy typing on this keyboard.

TOUCHPAD ASUS ROG ZX553VD

The touchpad is adequate. Tracking is smooth and accurate, and right and left clicks are registered perfectly. Both buttons are integrated into the touchpad and are divided by only a printed line, which can make it somewhat difficult to discern between a right and left click. The touchpad itself sounds hollow when clicked and lacks definition. Clicks also feel sticky and mushy, and feedback is mediocre. The smooth plastic finish feels a bit cheap and readily attracts fingerprints and oils.

PROCESSOR ASUS ROG ZX553VD

The Intel i7-7700HQ is a very capable quad-core CPU with hyperthreading. Commonly found in high-end workstation and gaming laptops, the 7700HQ offers top-tier performance for Intel's Kaby Lake platform. The CPU features a base clock of 2.8 GHz with a boost up to 3.8. Our test model takes full advantage of this boost under heavier single-threaded workloads, even when running on battery power. Our test model did very well in our Cinebench test suite, showing that it can handle even the most strenuous workloads with aplomb.

All of the modern rivals have the same CPU, while the Omen 15 is equipped with a last-generation Skylake Intel Core i7-6700HQ. There aren't many differences between Skylake and Kaby Lake save for some better power efficiency, marginally higher clock speeds, and native video encoding tools in the newer platform. Otherwise, the chips are very similar in terms of performance.

As such, we see very similar results across the board in our Cinebench testing. While there are some slight performance differences, they are all within margin of error. There is no clear winner between the competition.

Experience any game or run any application, with the sharper visuals and superior performance you demand. ROG Strix ZX553’s low-profile, easy-touch backlit keys deliver perfect-response 1.8mm travel distance, and the marked WASD key group and dedicated numeric pad enable fast, full control. A solid, one-piece construction keyboard is illuminated by a ROG-red backlight for visibility at all times.

ASUS ROG ZX553VD PERFORMANCE

GeForce GTX 10-Series GPU give you up to 3X the performance of previous-generation GPUs. They’re built with ultra-fast FinFET, the latest high-bandwidth memory technologies, and support for DirectX 12 features to deliver the fastest, smoothest gaming notebook experiences.

ASUS ROG brand is thick with notebook models that can be configured almost any way imaginable. The Strix line is typically their highest echelon, rife with notebooks brandishing the latest specifications and boasting excellent build quality. We've looked at Asus' 17.3-inch offerings in the past - the GL752, GL702, and GL753each offer different tiers for gamers at different budgets. For those that prefer a more portable machine, the Strix line also includes some 15.6-inch models as well. Today, we look at the GL553VD.

The GL553VD is definitely aimed at budget-minded gamers. Armed with an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050, the GL553VD won't offer the same gaming performance as it's bigger brothers, the GL502VM and GL502VS.

So what do you get in the lowest specced ROG notebook? The GL553VD sports an Intel Core i7-7700HQ, an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050, excellent construction, a DVD drive, an RGB backlit keyboard, and ample I/O. Its price and specs place it squarely in competition with other budget gaming notebooks, namely the MSI GL62M (GTX 1050), the Acer Aspire VX5-591G (GTX 1050Ti), and the Dell Inspiron 15 7000 7567 (GTX 1050Ti).

KEYBOARD ASUS ROG ZX553VD

The keyboard is excellent. The chiclet keys are well sized and well spaced. The numeric keys on the right-hand side are a bit narrow but still usable. Arrow keys are also properly sized and slightly offset, making them easy to find. The space bar is also firm throughout. The deck can be warped under direct pressure but remains solid when typing.

With a generous 2.5 mm of travel and crisp feedback, the keyboard offers a superior typing experience. The key travel is very deep compared to other gaming notebooks, which typically have a key travel distance of about 2 mm.

A nice element is the inclusion of RGB lighting in the keyboard deck. There are four zones that can be independently set to any of over 16 million colors. Users can also set the colors to be static or pulse at a set rate. There are three stages of backlighting; the brightest can be seen even outdoors, while the dimmest is easy on the eyes and useful in dark settings. The key drop is undefined and a tad spongy, but keys are firm and feel good. The keys are essentially silent, exuding a low thump only under hard typing. Touch typists will thoroughly enjoy typing on this keyboard.

TOUCHPAD ASUS ROG ZX553VD

The touchpad is adequate. Tracking is smooth and accurate, and right and left clicks are registered perfectly. Both buttons are integrated into the touchpad and are divided by only a printed line, which can make it somewhat difficult to discern between a right and left click. The touchpad itself sounds hollow when clicked and lacks definition. Clicks also feel sticky and mushy, and feedback is mediocre. The smooth plastic finish feels a bit cheap and readily attracts fingerprints and oils.

PROCESSOR ASUS ROG ZX553VD

The Intel i7-7700HQ is a very capable quad-core CPU with hyperthreading. Commonly found in high-end workstation and gaming laptops, the 7700HQ offers top-tier performance for Intel's Kaby Lake platform. The CPU features a base clock of 2.8 GHz with a boost up to 3.8. Our test model takes full advantage of this boost under heavier single-threaded workloads, even when running on battery power. Our test model did very well in our Cinebench test suite, showing that it can handle even the most strenuous workloads with aplomb.

All of the modern rivals have the same CPU, while the Omen 15 is equipped with a last-generation Skylake Intel Core i7-6700HQ. There aren't many differences between Skylake and Kaby Lake save for some better power efficiency, marginally higher clock speeds, and native video encoding tools in the newer platform. Otherwise, the chips are very similar in terms of performance.

As such, we see very similar results across the board in our Cinebench testing. While there are some slight performance differences, they are all within margin of error. There is no clear winner between the competition.

Experience any game or run any application, with the sharper visuals and superior performance you demand. ROG Strix ZX553’s low-profile, easy-touch backlit keys deliver perfect-response 1.8mm travel distance, and the marked WASD key group and dedicated numeric pad enable fast, full control. A solid, one-piece construction keyboard is illuminated by a ROG-red backlight for visibility at all times.

ASUS ROG ZX553VD PERFORMANCE

GeForce GTX 10-Series GPU give you up to 3X the performance of previous-generation GPUs. They’re built with ultra-fast FinFET, the latest high-bandwidth memory technologies, and support for DirectX 12 features to deliver the fastest, smoothest gaming notebook experiences.

ASUS ROG brand is thick with notebook models that can be configured almost any way imaginable. The Strix line is typically their highest echelon, rife with notebooks brandishing the latest specifications and boasting excellent build quality. We've looked at Asus' 17.3-inch offerings in the past - the GL752, GL702, and GL753each offer different tiers for gamers at different budgets. For those that prefer a more portable machine, the Strix line also includes some 15.6-inch models as well. Today, we look at the GL553VD.

The GL553VD is definitely aimed at budget-minded gamers. Armed with an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050, the GL553VD won't offer the same gaming performance as it's bigger brothers, the GL502VM and GL502VS.

So what do you get in the lowest specced ROG notebook? The GL553VD sports an Intel Core i7-7700HQ, an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050, excellent construction, a DVD drive, an RGB backlit keyboard, and ample I/O. Its price and specs place it squarely in competition with other budget gaming notebooks, namely the MSI GL62M (GTX 1050), the Acer Aspire VX5-591G (GTX 1050Ti), and the Dell Inspiron 15 7000 7567 (GTX 1050Ti).

KEYBOARD ASUS ROG ZX553VD

The keyboard is excellent. The chiclet keys are well sized and well spaced. The numeric keys on the right-hand side are a bit narrow but still usable. Arrow keys are also properly sized and slightly offset, making them easy to find. The space bar is also firm throughout. The deck can be warped under direct pressure but remains solid when typing.

With a generous 2.5 mm of travel and crisp feedback, the keyboard offers a superior typing experience. The key travel is very deep compared to other gaming notebooks, which typically have a key travel distance of about 2 mm.

A nice element is the inclusion of RGB lighting in the keyboard deck. There are four zones that can be independently set to any of over 16 million colors. Users can also set the colors to be static or pulse at a set rate. There are three stages of backlighting; the brightest can be seen even outdoors, while the dimmest is easy on the eyes and useful in dark settings. The key drop is undefined and a tad spongy, but keys are firm and feel good. The keys are essentially silent, exuding a low thump only under hard typing. Touch typists will thoroughly enjoy typing on this keyboard.

TOUCHPAD ASUS ROG ZX553VD

The touchpad is adequate. Tracking is smooth and accurate, and right and left clicks are registered perfectly. Both buttons are integrated into the touchpad and are divided by only a printed line, which can make it somewhat difficult to discern between a right and left click. The touchpad itself sounds hollow when clicked and lacks definition. Clicks also feel sticky and mushy, and feedback is mediocre. The smooth plastic finish feels a bit cheap and readily attracts fingerprints and oils.

PROCESSOR ASUS ROG ZX553VD

The Intel i7-7700HQ is a very capable quad-core CPU with hyperthreading. Commonly found in high-end workstation and gaming laptops, the 7700HQ offers top-tier performance for Intel's Kaby Lake platform. The CPU features a base clock of 2.8 GHz with a boost up to 3.8. Our test model takes full advantage of this boost under heavier single-threaded workloads, even when running on battery power. Our test model did very well in our Cinebench test suite, showing that it can handle even the most strenuous workloads with aplomb.

All of the modern rivals have the same CPU, while the Omen 15 is equipped with a last-generation Skylake Intel Core i7-6700HQ. There aren't many differences between Skylake and Kaby Lake save for some better power efficiency, marginally higher clock speeds, and native video encoding tools in the newer platform. Otherwise, the chips are very similar in terms of performance.

As such, we see very similar results across the board in our Cinebench testing. While there are some slight performance differences, they are all within margin of error. There is no clear winner between the competition.

Experience any game or run any application, with the sharper visuals and superior performance you demand. ROG Strix ZX553’s low-profile, easy-touch backlit keys deliver perfect-response 1.8mm travel distance, and the marked WASD key group and dedicated numeric pad enable fast, full control. A solid, one-piece construction keyboard is illuminated by a ROG-red backlight for visibility at all times.

ASUS ROG ZX553VD PERFORMANCE

GeForce GTX 10-Series GPU give you up to 3X the performance of previous-generation GPUs. They’re built with ultra-fast FinFET, the latest high-bandwidth memory technologies, and support for DirectX 12 features to deliver the fastest, smoothest gaming notebook experiences.

ASUS ROG brand is thick with notebook models that can be configured almost any way imaginable. The Strix line is typically their highest echelon, rife with notebooks brandishing the latest specifications and boasting excellent build quality. We've looked at Asus' 17.3-inch offerings in the past - the GL752, GL702, and GL753each offer different tiers for gamers at different budgets. For those that prefer a more portable machine, the Strix line also includes some 15.6-inch models as well. Today, we look at the GL553VD.

The GL553VD is definitely aimed at budget-minded gamers. Armed with an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050, the GL553VD won't offer the same gaming performance as it's bigger brothers, the GL502VM and GL502VS.

So what do you get in the lowest specced ROG notebook? The GL553VD sports an Intel Core i7-7700HQ, an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050, excellent construction, a DVD drive, an RGB backlit keyboard, and ample I/O. Its price and specs place it squarely in competition with other budget gaming notebooks, namely the MSI GL62M (GTX 1050), the Acer Aspire VX5-591G (GTX 1050Ti), and the Dell Inspiron 15 7000 7567 (GTX 1050Ti).

KEYBOARD ASUS ROG ZX553VD

The keyboard is excellent. The chiclet keys are well sized and well spaced. The numeric keys on the right-hand side are a bit narrow but still usable. Arrow keys are also properly sized and slightly offset, making them easy to find. The space bar is also firm throughout. The deck can be warped under direct pressure but remains solid when typing.

With a generous 2.5 mm of travel and crisp feedback, the keyboard offers a superior typing experience. The key travel is very deep compared to other gaming notebooks, which typically have a key travel distance of about 2 mm.

A nice element is the inclusion of RGB lighting in the keyboard deck. There are four zones that can be independently set to any of over 16 million colors. Users can also set the colors to be static or pulse at a set rate. There are three stages of backlighting; the brightest can be seen even outdoors, while the dimmest is easy on the eyes and useful in dark settings. The key drop is undefined and a tad spongy, but keys are firm and feel good. The keys are essentially silent, exuding a low thump only under hard typing. Touch typists will thoroughly enjoy typing on this keyboard.

TOUCHPAD ASUS ROG ZX553VD

The touchpad is adequate. Tracking is smooth and accurate, and right and left clicks are registered perfectly. Both buttons are integrated into the touchpad and are divided by only a printed line, which can make it somewhat difficult to discern between a right and left click. The touchpad itself sounds hollow when clicked and lacks definition. Clicks also feel sticky and mushy, and feedback is mediocre. The smooth plastic finish feels a bit cheap and readily attracts fingerprints and oils.

PROCESSOR ASUS ROG ZX553VD

The Intel i7-7700HQ is a very capable quad-core CPU with hyperthreading. Commonly found in high-end workstation and gaming laptops, the 7700HQ offers top-tier performance for Intel's Kaby Lake platform. The CPU features a base clock of 2.8 GHz with a boost up to 3.8. Our test model takes full advantage of this boost under heavier single-threaded workloads, even when running on battery power. Our test model did very well in our Cinebench test suite, showing that it can handle even the most strenuous workloads with aplomb.

All of the modern rivals have the same CPU, while the Omen 15 is equipped with a last-generation Skylake Intel Core i7-6700HQ. There aren't many differences between Skylake and Kaby Lake save for some better power efficiency, marginally higher clock speeds, and native video encoding tools in the newer platform. Otherwise, the chips are very similar in terms of performance.

As such, we see very similar results across the board in our Cinebench testing. While there are some slight performance differences, they are all within margin of error. There is no clear winner between the competition.

Experience any game or run any application, with the sharper visuals and superior performance you demand. ROG Strix ZX553’s low-profile, easy-touch backlit keys deliver perfect-response 1.8mm travel distance, and the marked WASD key group and dedicated numeric pad enable fast, full control. A solid, one-piece construction keyboard is illuminated by a ROG-red backlight for visibility at all times.

ASUS ROG ZX553VD PERFORMANCE

GeForce GTX 10-Series GPU give you up to 3X the performance of previous-generation GPUs. They’re built with ultra-fast FinFET, the latest high-bandwidth memory technologies, and support for DirectX 12 features to deliver the fastest, smoothest gaming notebook experiences.

ASUS ROG brand is thick with notebook models that can be configured almost any way imaginable. The Strix line is typically their highest echelon, rife with notebooks brandishing the latest specifications and boasting excellent build quality. We've looked at Asus' 17.3-inch offerings in the past - the GL752, GL702, and GL753each offer different tiers for gamers at different budgets. For those that prefer a more portable machine, the Strix line also includes some 15.6-inch models as well. Today, we look at the GL553VD.

The GL553VD is definitely aimed at budget-minded gamers. Armed with an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050, the GL553VD won't offer the same gaming performance as it's bigger brothers, the GL502VM and GL502VS.

So what do you get in the lowest specced ROG notebook? The GL553VD sports an Intel Core i7-7700HQ, an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050, excellent construction, a DVD drive, an RGB backlit keyboard, and ample I/O. Its price and specs place it squarely in competition with other budget gaming notebooks, namely the MSI GL62M (GTX 1050), the Acer Aspire VX5-591G (GTX 1050Ti), and the Dell Inspiron 15 7000 7567 (GTX 1050Ti).

KEYBOARD ASUS ROG ZX553VD

The keyboard is excellent. The chiclet keys are well sized and well spaced. The numeric keys on the right-hand side are a bit narrow but still usable. Arrow keys are also properly sized and slightly offset, making them easy to find. The space bar is also firm throughout. The deck can be warped under direct pressure but remains solid when typing.

With a generous 2.5 mm of travel and crisp feedback, the keyboard offers a superior typing experience. The key travel is very deep compared to other gaming notebooks, which typically have a key travel distance of about 2 mm.

A nice element is the inclusion of RGB lighting in the keyboard deck. There are four zones that can be independently set to any of over 16 million colors. Users can also set the colors to be static or pulse at a set rate. There are three stages of backlighting; the brightest can be seen even outdoors, while the dimmest is easy on the eyes and useful in dark settings. The key drop is undefined and a tad spongy, but keys are firm and feel good. The keys are essentially silent, exuding a low thump only under hard typing. Touch typists will thoroughly enjoy typing on this keyboard.

TOUCHPAD ASUS ROG ZX553VD

The touchpad is adequate. Tracking is smooth and accurate, and right and left clicks are registered perfectly. Both buttons are integrated into the touchpad and are divided by only a printed line, which can make it somewhat difficult to discern between a right and left click. The touchpad itself sounds hollow when clicked and lacks definition. Clicks also feel sticky and mushy, and feedback is mediocre. The smooth plastic finish feels a bit cheap and readily attracts fingerprints and oils.

PROCESSOR ASUS ROG ZX553VD

The Intel i7-7700HQ is a very capable quad-core CPU with hyperthreading. Commonly found in high-end workstation and gaming laptops, the 7700HQ offers top-tier performance for Intel's Kaby Lake platform. The CPU features a base clock of 2.8 GHz with a boost up to 3.8. Our test model takes full advantage of this boost under heavier single-threaded workloads, even when running on battery power. Our test model did very well in our Cinebench test suite, showing that it can handle even the most strenuous workloads with aplomb.

All of the modern rivals have the same CPU, while the Omen 15 is equipped with a last-generation Skylake Intel Core i7-6700HQ. There aren't many differences between Skylake and Kaby Lake save for some better power efficiency, marginally higher clock speeds, and native video encoding tools in the newer platform. Otherwise, the chips are very similar in terms of performance.

As such, we see very similar results across the board in our Cinebench testing. While there are some slight performance differences, they are all within margin of error. There is no clear winner between the competition.

Experience any game or run any application, with the sharper visuals and superior performance you demand. ROG Strix ZX553’s low-profile, easy-touch backlit keys deliver perfect-response 1.8mm travel distance, and the marked WASD key group and dedicated numeric pad enable fast, full control. A solid, one-piece construction keyboard is illuminated by a ROG-red backlight for visibility at all times.

ASUS ROG ZX553VD PERFORMANCE

GeForce GTX 10-Series GPU give you up to 3X the performance of previous-generation GPUs. They’re built with ultra-fast FinFET, the latest high-bandwidth memory technologies, and support for DirectX 12 features to deliver the fastest, smoothest gaming notebook experiences.

ASUS ROG brand is thick with notebook models that can be configured almost any way imaginable. The Strix line is typically their highest echelon, rife with notebooks brandishing the latest specifications and boasting excellent build quality. We've looked at Asus' 17.3-inch offerings in the past - the GL752, GL702, and GL753each offer different tiers for gamers at different budgets. For those that prefer a more portable machine, the Strix line also includes some 15.6-inch models as well. Today, we look at the GL553VD.

The GL553VD is definitely aimed at budget-minded gamers. Armed with an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050, the GL553VD won't offer the same gaming performance as it's bigger brothers, the GL502VM and GL502VS.

So what do you get in the lowest specced ROG notebook? The GL553VD sports an Intel Core i7-7700HQ, an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050, excellent construction, a DVD drive, an RGB backlit keyboard, and ample I/O. Its price and specs place it squarely in competition with other budget gaming notebooks, namely the MSI GL62M (GTX 1050), the Acer Aspire VX5-591G (GTX 1050Ti), and the Dell Inspiron 15 7000 7567 (GTX 1050Ti).

KEYBOARD ASUS ROG ZX553VD

The keyboard is excellent. The chiclet keys are well sized and well spaced. The numeric keys on the right-hand side are a bit narrow but still usable. Arrow keys are also properly sized and slightly offset, making them easy to find. The space bar is also firm throughout. The deck can be warped under direct pressure but remains solid when typing.

With a generous 2.5 mm of travel and crisp feedback, the keyboard offers a superior typing experience. The key travel is very deep compared to other gaming notebooks, which typically have a key travel distance of about 2 mm.

A nice element is the inclusion of RGB lighting in the keyboard deck. There are four zones that can be independently set to any of over 16 million colors. Users can also set the colors to be static or pulse at a set rate. There are three stages of backlighting; the brightest can be seen even outdoors, while the dimmest is easy on the eyes and useful in dark settings. The key drop is undefined and a tad spongy, but keys are firm and feel good. The keys are essentially silent, exuding a low thump only under hard typing. Touch typists will thoroughly enjoy typing on this keyboard.

TOUCHPAD ASUS ROG ZX553VD

The touchpad is adequate. Tracking is smooth and accurate, and right and left clicks are registered perfectly. Both buttons are integrated into the touchpad and are divided by only a printed line, which can make it somewhat difficult to discern between a right and left click. The touchpad itself sounds hollow when clicked and lacks definition. Clicks also feel sticky and mushy, and feedback is mediocre. The smooth plastic finish feels a bit cheap and readily attracts fingerprints and oils.

PROCESSOR ASUS ROG ZX553VD

The Intel i7-7700HQ is a very capable quad-core CPU with hyperthreading. Commonly found in high-end workstation and gaming laptops, the 7700HQ offers top-tier performance for Intel's Kaby Lake platform. The CPU features a base clock of 2.8 GHz with a boost up to 3.8. Our test model takes full advantage of this boost under heavier single-threaded workloads, even when running on battery power. Our test model did very well in our Cinebench test suite, showing that it can handle even the most strenuous workloads with aplomb.

All of the modern rivals have the same CPU, while the Omen 15 is equipped with a last-generation Skylake Intel Core i7-6700HQ. There aren't many differences between Skylake and Kaby Lake save for some better power efficiency, marginally higher clock speeds, and native video encoding tools in the newer platform. Otherwise, the chips are very similar in terms of performance.

As such, we see very similar results across the board in our Cinebench testing. While there are some slight performance differences, they are all within margin of error. There is no clear winner between the competition.

Experience any game or run any application, with the sharper visuals and superior performance you demand. ROG Strix ZX553’s low-profile, easy-touch backlit keys deliver perfect-response 1.8mm travel distance, and the marked WASD key group and dedicated numeric pad enable fast, full control. A solid, one-piece construction keyboard is illuminated by a ROG-red backlight for visibility at all times.

ASUS ROG ZX553VD PERFORMANCE

GeForce GTX 10-Series GPU give you up to 3X the performance of previous-generation GPUs. They’re built with ultra-fast FinFET, the latest high-bandwidth memory technologies, and support for DirectX 12 features to deliver the fastest, smoothest gaming notebook experiences.

ASUS ROG brand is thick with notebook models that can be configured almost any way imaginable. The Strix line is typically their highest echelon, rife with notebooks brandishing the latest specifications and boasting excellent build quality. We've looked at Asus' 17.3-inch offerings in the past - the GL752, GL702, and GL753each offer different tiers for gamers at different budgets. For those that prefer a more portable machine, the Strix line also includes some 15.6-inch models as well. Today, we look at the GL553VD.

The GL553VD is definitely aimed at budget-minded gamers. Armed with an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050, the GL553VD won't offer the same gaming performance as it's bigger brothers, the GL502VM and GL502VS.

So what do you get in the lowest specced ROG notebook? The GL553VD sports an Intel Core i7-7700HQ, an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050, excellent construction, a DVD drive, an RGB backlit keyboard, and ample I/O. Its price and specs place it squarely in competition with other budget gaming notebooks, namely the MSI GL62M (GTX 1050), the Acer Aspire VX5-591G (GTX 1050Ti), and the Dell Inspiron 15 7000 7567 (GTX 1050Ti).

KEYBOARD ASUS ROG ZX553VD

The keyboard is excellent. The chiclet keys are well sized and well spaced. The numeric keys on the right-hand side are a bit narrow but still usable. Arrow keys are also properly sized and slightly offset, making them easy to find. The space bar is also firm throughout. The deck can be warped under direct pressure but remains solid when typing.

With a generous 2.5 mm of travel and crisp feedback, the keyboard offers a superior typing experience. The key travel is very deep compared to other gaming notebooks, which typically have a key travel distance of about 2 mm.

A nice element is the inclusion of RGB lighting in the keyboard deck. There are four zones that can be independently set to any of over 16 million colors. Users can also set the colors to be static or pulse at a set rate. There are three stages of backlighting; the brightest can be seen even outdoors, while the dimmest is easy on the eyes and useful in dark settings. The key drop is undefined and a tad spongy, but keys are firm and feel good. The keys are essentially silent, exuding a low thump only under hard typing. Touch typists will thoroughly enjoy typing on this keyboard.

TOUCHPAD ASUS ROG ZX553VD

The touchpad is adequate. Tracking is smooth and accurate, and right and left clicks are registered perfectly. Both buttons are integrated into the touchpad and are divided by only a printed line, which can make it somewhat difficult to discern between a right and left click. The touchpad itself sounds hollow when clicked and lacks definition. Clicks also feel sticky and mushy, and feedback is mediocre. The smooth plastic finish feels a bit cheap and readily attracts fingerprints and oils.

PROCESSOR ASUS ROG ZX553VD

The Intel i7-7700HQ is a very capable quad-core CPU with hyperthreading. Commonly found in high-end workstation and gaming laptops, the 7700HQ offers top-tier performance for Intel's Kaby Lake platform. The CPU features a base clock of 2.8 GHz with a boost up to 3.8. Our test model takes full advantage of this boost under heavier single-threaded workloads, even when running on battery power. Our test model did very well in our Cinebench test suite, showing that it can handle even the most strenuous workloads with aplomb.

All of the modern rivals have the same CPU, while the Omen 15 is equipped with a last-generation Skylake Intel Core i7-6700HQ. There aren't many differences between Skylake and Kaby Lake save for some better power efficiency, marginally higher clock speeds, and native video encoding tools in the newer platform. Otherwise, the chips are very similar in terms of performance.

As such, we see very similar results across the board in our Cinebench testing. While there are some slight performance differences, they are all within margin of error. There is no clear winner between the competition.

Dell Latitude E6410 Sporting a wide range of Intel Core processor options, Intel integrated and NVIDIA NVS 3100M dedicated graphics, and two display options. In this review we see how this Dell business notebook. The Dell Latitude E6410 is a 14.1-inch business notebook configurable with an Intel Core i7 processor and NVIDIA NVS 3100M dedicated graphics.

ABOUT LATITUDE E6410

DELL LATITUDE E6410 DRIVER FOR WINDOWS

The Dell Latitude E6410 has a very modern look and feel, with a few changes this generation to give a nod towards past models. This is nice if you use your notebook in brightly lit areas where reflections can be distracting. It also means that smudges and fingerprints won’t be a problem from day-to-day use. The E6400 brought the latest body style, with a black alloy shell.

After the T60-series ThinkPad, Lenovo switched to a plastic top cover, which has stuck for every generation since then. The HP EliteBook though keeps the metal top cover and retains the image and feel of a higher-grade notebook over a standard plastic consumer model.

LATITUDE E6410 DESIGN

The E6410 this time around keeps the body style, but switches back to the gunmetal gray coloring scheme which was found on the D630 and D620before it. The finish has a pseudo-brushed appearance (painted, not actual brushed metal like on the HP EliteBook) that seems to resist fingerprints more than the real thing. The lower half of the notebook keeps the black metal design, with a large service panel that lets you access everything in the notebook by removing a single screw.

Inside the E6410 the look is matte black on everything besides the keyboard and model lettering. Compared to what you might find in a consumer model, there are no glossy or reflective surfaces besides the small chrome lettering on the Dell branding logo.

Build quality is very good and if feels very durable with the metal panels top and bottom. In the business notebook market not all makers have stuck with metal body panels.

The Latitude E6410 chassis felt very well built and resisted any flexing in the usual spots. The palmrest and touchpad showed no signs of sag under heavy prodding. The keyboard directly over the optical drive stayed firm, even though most notebooks do show some signs of weakness in this area. With the cover removed you gain access to the WWAN, Wi-Fi card, memory slots, processor and heatsink, CMOS battery, cooling fan, and the instant-on OS card. Outside of having a cover that removes by the thought of wanting to upgrade alone, the E6410 is probably the easiest notebook we have come across to upgrade.

Grabbing the notebook by the palmrest and carrying it around didn’t cause any twisting or creaking noises. With the notebook closed the screen cover gave above average protection for the screen and should prevent any keyboard key marks on from imprinting on the LCD after being transported in a backpack loaded with other items. With the notebook open it took a good amount of pressure applied to the back of the cover before it showed any ripples or distortions on the display.

Users looking to upgrade parts of IT staff looking to replacing components will find the Latitude E6410 very easy to service. Dell designed the entire bottom around a single access panel with a single screw holding it in place. After removing the screen (which is retained with a spring so it never gets lost) you simply slide the cover down about a smidge and pop it off.

DELL LATITUDE E6410 FEATURES

The Latitude E6410 is packed with a ton of connections, including three USB 2.0 ports, an eSATA/USB combo port, VGA and DisplayPort-out, audio jacks, LAN, and FireWire-400. Other features include an optical drive, SDHC-card reader, and a SmartCard reader.

Dell incorporates an ALPS touchpad into the E6410, which has thankfully improved from past years. The moderate amount of lag found in older revisions is completely gone, making the navigation experience much nicer. Sensitivity is great with default settings, although we still had some problems with a tap to drag event not fully releasing of the object you were moving. The touchpad also features two and three-finger gestures for scrolling, zooming, and flicking. With the pointing stick included with the keyboard, the E6410 features two sets of buttons. The top-most buttons for the pointing stick include a middle button which can be configured to control tabs. The buttons are all great to use, with good feedback and a long throw.

PERFORMANCE LATITUDE E6410

System performance was great with the 2.66GHz Intel Core i7 processor and NVIDIA NVS 3100M dedicated graphics with 512MB of video memory. Dell offers a wide range of performance options, including two graphics cards options; Intel GMA HD integrated and NVIDIA NVS 3100 dedicated with 512MB of VRAM. Hard drive options include a 5400 and 7200RPM models and a 128GB SSD. Our particular unit came with a 250GB 7200RPM Scorpio Black that was quick to boot and load applications, although not as fast as it might have been with an SSD.

For standard day to day use, the system worked flawlessly loading up web browsers or office productivity applications. For less than business uses, the system was great at playing HD movies, streaming HD video, and even the occasional game or two while the boss isn’t looking. The NVS 3100M graphics card can handle itself well with consumer 3D applications, even though its focus is on business uses. For users who don’t need a dedicated graphics card, or don’t need the highest performance, it would be suggested to just go with Intel GMA HD integrated graphics for best battery life.

USER REVIEWS FROM AMAZON

~Good used portable that was in decent condition. Scratches on cover and some odor on the case that I used a orange oil to mask. Came with Windows 7 Pro and a 250Gb hard drive. Only complaint is that it was advertised to have 4Gb RAM, but there was only 3Gb. I bought 8Gb of RAM online for $55 to replace the 3Gb. Graphics are somewhat slow, but all components are working flawlessly. I partitioned this computer to dual boot Windows 7 and Ubuntu Mate Linux. This was a good purchase for the money paid (~$150) to get a used computer that was in good condition.

~Overall I am happy with the purchase. It is a used laptop but it was in fact in very good shape as the seller described. That said, I did not get exactly what I was expecting. Here is the text of the "Product description" in the body of the ad: "Dell Latitude e6410 Intel Core i5 2.66ghz/2.67ghz m560 CPU 64-bit 4GB RAM - Running Ubuntu 14.04 LTS. Includes $75 Brenthaven Premium Laptop Bag and AC Adapter. ".

~What I got was Dell Latitude e6410 laptop with Window 7 Pro and an AC Adapter (which, to be fair, is what was described in the top of the ad). I did not really care so much about the case (though it would have been nice to have) but I purchased the computer as a way to learn Linux development so I had to install Ubuntu on it (which fortunately is free anyway).